Muscle cramps occur for a variety of reasons, but foods offer solutions to those problems. Lack of fluids, blood circulation problems, strained muscles, or deficiencies in certain nutrients can lead to muscle cramps, WebMD said.

Eating the right foods with essential minerals can ward off muscle cramps or spasms. Here are five foods to prevent or ease the problems of muscle cramps.

1. Bananas
Bananas provide your body with potassium, which boosts muscular function and protects the nervous system, according to Livestrong.com. You can also get potassium through melons and citrus fruits. Sweet potatoes also offer a healthy dose of potassium. Although adults need about 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day, plenty of foods people eat every day have the mineral. Taking potassium supplements might exceed the recommended dose, so getting it through foods is healthier.

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2. Celery
Celery is a good source of sodium, which maintains normal fluid balance in the body, MindBodyGreen explained. Sodium also helps with muscle contraction and nerve impulse generation. The body often pulls nutrients from the body, including salt, after a vigorous workout or activity. The desire is to eat salty foods such as crackers for the necessary boost. But celery gives the body a natural lift.

3. Yogurt
Low-fat yogurt, milk and other dairy products supply the body with calcium to help with muscle contraction, Prevention magazine said. A deficiency in calcium can interfere with nerve signals and cause muscle spasms. Yogurt makes a nice small lunch or breakfast to prepare for exercise while avoiding muscle cramps. People can also get calcium through dark leafy green vegetables and sardines with calcium-rich bones.

4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal provides magnesium to relax the muscles, according to WebMD. The delicious breakfast also works for a snack or small meal anytime during the day. Bran muffins, buckwheat, and whole-grain breads and pasta also maintain proper muscle movement. Oatmeal and other whole-grain foods give a person a full feeling with a small amount for healthy weight management.

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5. Beans
Beans and legumes are foods that provide magnesium to enhance muscle contraction and prevent muscle cramps, Livestrong.com said. Magnesium deficiencies might cause muscle twitches and cramps. Soybeans, avocados, nuts and seeds also have muscle-boosting magnesium.

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